Society of Iowa Rugby Referees

23/03/2026

Today we had 14 people take the Level 1 Referee Course and take their first steps in their referee journey!

A big thank you to Amanda for making the trip to instruct these fine folks and a big thank you to the West Des Moines Wombats Rugby Club for providing the space and lunch!

A final thank you to all the attendees. We hope to see you out on the pitch soon!

10/02/2026

🗣️ WE NEED REFEREES. WE NEED YOU. 🏉

The Society of Iowa Rugby Referees is bringing a USA Rugby Referee L1 Accreditation Course to Des Moines, and this is your chance to give back to the game we all love.

📅 Sunday, March 22nd
⏰ 8:30am – 5:00pm
📍 Weeks Middle School | Des Moines, IA

This course is a perfect introduction to refereeing, and once completed, you’ll be eligible to officiate high school, college, and senior matches as soon as this spring!

The Wombats and B-Side Bois Rugby Podcast teamed up with S.I.R.R.S to make this happen locally because rugby doesn’t exist without referees. Whether you’re a current player, former player, or just a fan of the sport, anyone can pick up a whistle and help make rugby better!

👉 Registration is REQUIRED through USA Rugby / Rugby Xplorer

🔗 Use this link and search for the course:
https://usarugby.docebosaas.com/learn/courses/71/level-1-referee-course

No refs = no rugby.
Step up. Be part of the solution.
We need you!
And it's a great way to stay involved in the sport after playing!

USA Club Rugby

🐾🎙️

08/08/2025

What news out of Mid America! If you've been looking to get your Level 1 Referee certification this is a great opportunity to do so.

August 23 is the start of the Midwest competitive cycle, but it's not deadlocked with Iowa matches. Take the plunge!

If this is something Iowa Rugby Union members want to take advantage of, please reach out for information on travel grants!

01/07/2025

Please see the latest law clarification from World Rugby regarding diving/jumping over a ruck in the act of scoring:

https://passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-game/law-clarifications/2025/clarification-1-2025/

This clarification is effective immediately.

Iowa Rugby Union
Iowa Youth Rugby Association

At a ruck/breakdown close to the goal line, the attacking scrum half picks up the ball and dives forward over the ruck in an attempt to score a try.  Is this legal or should it be sanctioned?

29/06/2025

Partial ref crew picture from Block Party 7s yesterday!

This group put in the work on a hot and humid day. Lots of good opportunities for feedback and learnings while providing a great platform for the teams to showcase their skills!

Left to right: Matt Ragan, Don LeRoux, Eddy Tapia, Randy Kiburz, Adam Falk, James Gadient

Trash bin a stand in for the folks who had to leave early: referees Paul Damge, Milton Audas, and Paul Wood who provided some great coaching to help us to be always improving!

28/02/2025

Hello Iowa Senior Club Teams,

Have you entered your matches into RefUp? Contact your Match Secretary/RefUp admin and ensure they're building the requests there.

If it's not in RefUp, we don't know about it!

You can double check our Assignments page to see what we have (and don't). Link in comments!

01/02/2025

If you're planning on watching the Six Nations, as you enjoy the great and storied tournament, remember that the 20 Minute Red Card is a Six Nations specific variation! It is *not* a part of the Global Law Trials that went into effect January 1!

14/12/2024

Congratulations are in order to our own Jared Scherrman and Adam Falk on their selection to USA Rugby's Referee Development Groups!

USA Rugby Announces Referee Development Groups for 2024-25 Ahead of Development Camp in Chula VistaWed, Dec 11, 2024, 8:45 PM CCby Calder Cahill.This weekend over 50 rugby referees will assemble in Chula Vista, CA for the first of two national development camps for match officials. The camps form pa...

11/10/2024

It's with great shock and heavier hearts that we mark the passing of Craig, who did moonlight refereeing from time to time.

While the Iowa rugby community is left all the poorer with this loss, our hearts and thoughts are with Craig's family and friends whose loss knows no bounds.

Rest well, Craig. You made an incredible impact on our community.

Rest in peace Craig Air Father, Husband, Coach, Player, Friend and Mentor to many. This news has saddened me and many others, I'm lost for words. Your commitment and dedication to Rugby surpasses everything. The Quad Cities Rugby community has lost a true treasure today.

RIP bud.

17/09/2024

We love seeing people take their first steps on their refereeing journey!

Congrats and can't wait to see you out there again!

If you're interested in joining us, please reach out!

What a beautiful night for Iowa high school girls rugby! 🏉 While being an announcer will not be going on our players’ future resumes, the Society of Iowa Rugby Referees green sure pairs well with our DSM blue 😎

16/08/2024

Make sure you're registered for the 2024-2025 competitive cycle!

2024-25 USA Rugby Membership Season Officially OpenFri, Aug 16, 2024, 8:02 PM CCby Calder Cahill.Aug 16 marks the official start to the 2024-25 USA Rugby Membership year with new inspirations ahead. Following an inspiring year of rugby, USA Rugby is thrilled to open registration for the 2024-25 Memb...